Does it matter if you do traditional weight training or pilates, in order to avoid getting osteoporosis? I realize there are other factors involved such as heredity, small-boned, your race, many different things. But I am thinking of switching into some pilates and I know this is strenth-training, I am just wondering does anyone know what the general consensus is as to what is bettter for you regarding osteoporosis? I probably spelled that incorrectly.
Pilates or Weights/Osteoporosis
- Thread starter Ivy
- Start date
Jane A
Cathlete
Ivy,
Any weight bearing exercise is good for building bone density. I'm not a doctor, but I do have bone density issues, so I'm operating on the assumption that the more weight that you bear the better. You will also get results from higher impact (unfortunately that's harder on the joints).
I would say that if you don't have bone density loss yet, that you'll be just fine by doing some Pilates and some traditional strength training. If you're worried about it, ask you doctor for a bone density test -- although your insurance might not cover it until you reach a certain age (maybe 40?).
For me personally, I am very happy to report that I have achieved some improvement from strength training -- in fact, more improvement than I got from taking a prescription which had really awful side effects -- very painful joint issues that actually made it difficult to exercise. How do they figure that it's better to take the drug??
Anyway IMO, I think that strength training is maybe a little bit better because you can really go heavy. However, I still like to mix in Pilates because I think it is good for balance, which is also important to prevent falls. Other than that, if you have a choice between higher or lower impact on your cardio workouts, go with the higher impact (even walking as opposed to cycling). But of course, mixing things up is always best so you don't overdo in some way.
Jane
Any weight bearing exercise is good for building bone density. I'm not a doctor, but I do have bone density issues, so I'm operating on the assumption that the more weight that you bear the better. You will also get results from higher impact (unfortunately that's harder on the joints).
I would say that if you don't have bone density loss yet, that you'll be just fine by doing some Pilates and some traditional strength training. If you're worried about it, ask you doctor for a bone density test -- although your insurance might not cover it until you reach a certain age (maybe 40?).
For me personally, I am very happy to report that I have achieved some improvement from strength training -- in fact, more improvement than I got from taking a prescription which had really awful side effects -- very painful joint issues that actually made it difficult to exercise. How do they figure that it's better to take the drug??
Anyway IMO, I think that strength training is maybe a little bit better because you can really go heavy. However, I still like to mix in Pilates because I think it is good for balance, which is also important to prevent falls. Other than that, if you have a choice between higher or lower impact on your cardio workouts, go with the higher impact (even walking as opposed to cycling). But of course, mixing things up is always best so you don't overdo in some way.
Jane
JodelleFitzh20
Cathlete
I agree...
I agree with Jane A....in order for the bones to continue replenishing themselves rather than deteriorating, you need to be placing force on them. Strength training does just that. It puts a heavy load of force for the bone to support as well as making the muscles stronger to the support the bone. Pilates might do a little of that, depending on how much force you are doing, but not as much as strength training will. For example, if you do mainly pilates movements laying supine on a mat, while it's great for the core muscles, there's not very much load on the bones. However if you were doing more advanced Pilates movements like standing movements where you do small jumps landing in a squat, that would be considered enough force for the bone to replenish.
Keep your Pilates up for your core strength to protect and aid your spine and posture, and keep your strength training up to aid in bone replenishment!
Also, if you can tolerate a little jumping, like jump squats, try those! Any sort of jumping where you land softly is a great way to build bone mass!!
I agree with Jane A....in order for the bones to continue replenishing themselves rather than deteriorating, you need to be placing force on them. Strength training does just that. It puts a heavy load of force for the bone to support as well as making the muscles stronger to the support the bone. Pilates might do a little of that, depending on how much force you are doing, but not as much as strength training will. For example, if you do mainly pilates movements laying supine on a mat, while it's great for the core muscles, there's not very much load on the bones. However if you were doing more advanced Pilates movements like standing movements where you do small jumps landing in a squat, that would be considered enough force for the bone to replenish.
Keep your Pilates up for your core strength to protect and aid your spine and posture, and keep your strength training up to aid in bone replenishment!
Also, if you can tolerate a little jumping, like jump squats, try those! Any sort of jumping where you land softly is a great way to build bone mass!!
Thank you both very much for the information. Sometimes it seems the ads on television put pilates on the same level as traditional weight training with regards to muscle strengthening and it seems as though they would both be good for the bones in the same manner. Now I have a better understanding, and thanks again.